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A New Level of Freedom – The Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus

Fastest ever series-production Audi convertible joins the R8 line-up alongside the popular V10 plus Coupé

Static photo
Colour: Micrommata green

– New R8 Spyder V10 plus will open for UK order later this month priced from £147,470 OTR
– High revving, naturally aspirated V10 produces 610PS at 8,250rpm and 560Nm of torque at 6,500rpm
– 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds and a 203mph top speed
– Exceptionally high levels of standard equipment include a Performance driving mode, R8 bucket seats, ceramic brakes and carbon components inside and out
– Multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) with aluminium and CFRP weighing just 208 kg and with unsurpassed rigidity
– 25kg lighter than the Audi R8 V10 Spyder (dry weight: 1,587 kilograms, unladen weight (without driver): 1,695 kilograms)
– Powered hood opens or closes in just 20 seconds, at speeds up to 31mph
– UK ordering opens at the end of this month

The most powerful Audi engine ever destined for series production is about to raise the tempo in what is already one of the most intoxicating driving machines offered by the brand – the open-air, high intensity R8 Spyder is to adopt the gloriously vocal 610PS V10 from the R8 V10 plus Coupé. The new R8 Spyder V10 plus is capable of 0-62mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph, spurred on by its significant 70PS power advantage, and by a significant 25kg weight reduction, versus the ‘standard’ V10 Spyder.
Set to become available to order in the UK later this month, the R8 Spyder V10 plus will be priced from £147,470 OTR, and will feature a standard specification list that reflects the sporting credentials and premium positioning of this high-performance flagship. Highlights include R8 bucket seats, liberally applied carbon fibre-reinforced polymer components inside and out, ceramic brakes, the R8-specific Audi Virtual Cockpit and the option of an exclusive micrommata green paint finish for an even more cutting-edge look.
“The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus completes the R8 model line,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The Spyder is now also available as a 610PS top version in addition to the Coupé. It benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breath-taking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car.”

Static photo
Colour: Micrommata green

Ten-cylinder symphony
Incredibly high revving up to 8,700 rpm, and offering lightning-quick response coupled with an evocative, voluminous sound, the top V10 with its 610PS and maximum torque of 560 Nm is the most powerful series-production engine from the brand with the four rings. Compared with the Audi R8 Spyder V10, the naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine, with a high 12.7:1 compression ratio in the plus version, features a 70PS boost in power and a 20Nm torque advantage.
As a result, the top model sprints to 62mph in 3.3 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster – and achieves a top speed of 203mph, an increase of 6mph. In the NEDC, the R8 Spyder V10 plus returns up to 22.6mpg combined, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 292 grams per km. Its efficiency technologies include the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates one cylinder bank at low to medium loads, as well as dual injection in the intake manifold and combustion chambers. If the driver eases off the accelerator at a speed of over 34mph, the engine disconnects from the drive and the new R8 Spyder coasts at idle with minimal fuel consumption. When the car comes to a stop, a start-stop system deactivates the V10 engine.
The oil supply is designed according to the dry sump principle, like that of a racing car. This enables the engine to be positioned extremely low, giving the car an extremely low centre of gravity – a requirement for the sporty and agile driving behaviour.

Dynamic photo
Colour: Micrommata green

Stability and dynamics: the quattro drive
Behind the V10 there is a seven-speed S tronic transmission with lightning-fast action. The dual-clutch transmission, with its short transmission ratio, sends power to the quattro drive system in the front axle via a cardan shaft. Its key component is an electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch. It is water-cooled for maximum performance. Depending on the driving situation, distribution of the drive torque by the clutch is completely variable, and in extreme cases sends up to 100 percent to one axle. A mechanical rear differential lock provides confident traction and maximum dynamics.
A question of character: Audi drive select
Management of the clutch is integrated in the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which gives the driver a choice between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes. The standard performance mode includes the programmes dry, wet and snow. They adapt the characteristics of the drive system and suspension to the friction coefficient of the road.
As well as control of the quattro drive system, Audi drive select can also influence the operating characteristics of the accelerator pedal, the seven-speed S tronic, the steering, the flaps of the exhaust system and the optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control, which uses a synthetic oil with small magnetic particles to vary damping in auto, comfort and dynamic modes. In dynamic mode, the system delivers the sharpest possible steering response and maximum handling agility. The wheels are precisely braced during cornering and body roll is largely suppressed. During braking, Audi magnetic ride counteracts the tendency of the body to dip. The performance programs from Audi drive select also make use of Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) for the best possible lap times.
The racing car as a role model: the suspension
All four wheels of the Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus are guided through aluminium double wishbone suspension, demonstrating the model line’s close links with motorsport. The setup is firm and the electromechanical power steering offers the ideal specific combination of precision, handling and confident high-speed behaviour for a sports car. Dynamic steering with variable steering ratio is available as an option.
This boosts the car’s responsiveness at all speeds, providing high-performance cornering characteristics and quick steering behaviour. It countersteers with tiny impulses at the cornering limit to further improve stability. Audi mounts a mix of tyres – 245/35 on the front, 295/35 on the back – on the standard 19-inch forged aluminium wheels in five twin-spoke design. The optional 20-inch wheels are shod with 245/30 and 305/30 tyres. The large brake discs – 380mm diameter upfront and 356mm on the back – are manufactured from extremely durable, temperature-resistant and lightweight carbon fibre ceramic composite. The anthracite grey fixed calipers feature six pistons on the front axle and four in the rear.
Laser light and carbon components: the design
The R8 Spyder V10 plus has an athletic stance on the road. It is 4.43 metres long and 1.94 metres wide, but just 1.24 metres tall. The most distinctive element on the front is the wide and flat Singleframe grille with its gloss honeycomb mesh, chrome-plated frame and the Audi Sport emblem. Below it stretches a low-lying carbon spoiler, which directs air around the large wheels. Optional Audi laser light in the LED headlights provides farsighted vision at night. These feature distinctive illuminated, anodised blue dividers as well as the dynamic turn signals.
A continuous shoulder line spanning the flanks emphasises the taught line of the body. The distinguishing features of the open-top mode are the sideblades, sill trim, lid on the convertible top compartment and the fixed rear spoilers all constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). If desired, Audi can paint the sills and rear spoiler in the colour of the car at no extra charge. In the rear, large, glossy black trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes flank the opening of the wide diffuser, another component made from CFRP. Its suction literally holds the Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus on the road – with about 100 kilograms of downforce pushing down on the rear axle at top speeds.
Classic concept: the soft top
Typically Audi: the exterior skin of the cloth top is fabric, the substructure is primarily made from lightweight materials like magnesium and aluminium. Consequently, the cloth top weighs just 44 kilograms and contributes significantly to the low weight and low centre of gravity of the R8 Spyder V10 plus. Two fins running to the rear tighten the top. An electrohydraulic drive takes 20 seconds to open or close the top, even while driving at speeds up to 31mph. Folded in a Z-shape, it is housed in a flat storage compartment over the engine. The rear window is sunk into the bulkhead and can be retracted and extended electrically. With all of the windows closed and the optional wind deflector installed, the wind passes gently over the driver and passenger. Two steel sections pretensioned by springs in the convertible top module serve as roll-over protection.
Lightweight body: the Audi Space Frame
The multimaterial Audi Space Frame forms the strong backbone of the R8 Spyder V10 plus. It combines components made from aluminium and structurally integrated carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). This is decisive for the low weight of the open-top high-performance sports car. Empty and without a driver, it weighs only 1,695 kilograms; dry weight is just 1,587 kilograms – another 25 kilograms less than the Audi R8 Spyder V10. The lower weight is achieved, for one, with the R8 bucket seats, as well as with the carbon-ceramic brake system and the light-alloy forged wheels.
The aluminium parts make up 79.6 percent of the weight and constitute a supporting structure that the engineers used especially to strengthen the sills, A-pillars and front windshield frame of the car in comparison with the R8 Coupé. The outer skin is likewise made primarily of aluminium. The centre tunnel, rear panel and B-pillars are made from extremely tough and torsion-resistant CFRP. In addition to the selection of materials, innovative manufacturing methods have also reduced the weight of many components. The Audi Space Frame weighs just 208 kilograms, while its torsion-resistance has increased more than 50 percent compared to the first R8 generation. This rigidity is the decisive parameter for driving precision, crash safety and acoustic comfort.

Interior

As you wish: customisation
With the Audi exclusive programme, the possibilities are almost limitless for customers to personalise their R8 Spyder V10 plus. In addition to the 11 regular paint finishes, the palette extends to freely selectable colours and matt-effect paint finishes. The convertible top is available in three colours, and the side blades can be selected in five colours. Like the door sill trim, the side blades can also be personalised with insignia as well as designed in colours according to customer tastes. In addition, parts in carbon or titanium black are available for many areas of the exterior and interior. Numerous upholstery types, inlays, and colours add to the wide range of options.
Aggressive look: the Audi exclusive micrommata green design package
The optional micrommata green design package lends the convertible high-performance sports car the ultimate edge. Its body is painted in a distinctive green. The anthracite grey Singleframe grille and black tailpipe covers create a sharp contrast. Audi exclusive furnishes the interior completely in black, in fine Nappa leather, which is perforated on control elements. Green contrast stitching accents the seats, centre armrests, doors and floor mats with luminous colour that matches the exterior.
Driver-focused: cockpit and controls
R8 bucket seats are fitted as standard in the flagship convertible. They are light, highly contoured, mounted low and bear the R8 embossing. They are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with special pigmenting that stops them from heating up in the sun’s rays. Decorative inlays are made from carbon; the pedals and footrest are in glossy stainless steel. The defining element is the “monoposto”, a large arc running around the cockpit. The dashboard appears to float weightlessly. Its lower section contains buttons and controls for the air conditioning, shaped like turbines.
As in a racing car, drivers can operate all important functions without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The standard R8 performance leather steering wheel features integrated multifunction buttons as well as two large control satellites. The driver uses these to start and stop the engine and control Audi drive select. Two more buttons including a rotary wheel are used to control the performance mode and the exhaust flaps.
The large 12.3-inch, fully digital Audi virtual cockpit presents all information using rich 3D graphics – if desired, in a special performance view that puts the focus on the rev counter. It also serves as a gear shift indicator – when the seven-speed S tronic is being operated in manual mode, its scale has a colour background at higher engine speeds. Next to it are indicators showing output, torque, g-forces, lap times and the temperatures of the tyres, engine and transmission oil.
High bandwidth: infotainment and Audi connect
The standard equipment package for the R8 Spyder V10 plus includes a superb infotainment system – the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. It features impressive and intuitive control logic with flat hierarchies. Added to this is a free text search that delivers suggested hits after only a few letters are typed in. The natural-language voice control function also recognises many terms from everyday speech. Standard seatbelt microphones provide for optimal audio quality, even when the top is down. In addition, the MMI navigation plus has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for the mobile devices of passengers.
The optional Audi connect module enables fast internet access via LTE. Its offerings include numerous services ranging from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View to travel and traffic information as well as point-of-interest searches. In addition, the Audi smartphone interface also displays selected content from iOS and Android smartphones in the Audi virtual cockpit. The optional Audi phone box connects mobile phones to the on-board aerial and charges them inductively in line with the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen sound system provides an excellent audio experience – even while driving with the top down. It integrates two head restraint loudspeakers in each seat.
Handcrafted manufacture: the “Audi Böllinger Höfe” production facility
The quality of the R8 Spyder V10 plus fulfills the most stringent standards. The body and final assembly are completed in the “Audi Böllinger Höfe” production facility operated by Audi Sport near Neckarsulm. The processes are organised to be highly flexible so that individual customer requests can be fulfilled. About 500 highly qualified employees construct the cars by hand with meticulous care. Before they are delivered, each high-performance sports car is put through a stringent test procedure until their final test drive on public roads.

New Audi RS5 Coupe at Geneva

Biturbo V6 TFSI powers new lighter, faster Audi performance benchmark 

  • All-new 2.9 TFSI with 450PS and 600Nm of torque from 1,900 – 5,000rpm
  • 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds more than half a second quicker than its predecessor
  • The first Audi Sport model to introduce the new design idiom
  • Virtual cockpit with RS-specific displays available
  • Standard 155mph top speed can be increased up to 174mph
  • Combined 32.5mpg – a 17 percent improvement – and 197g/km of CO2 
  • quattro all-wheel drive, wheel selective torque control and Audi drive select as standard
  • Overall weight reduction of up to 60kg
  • Optional carbon fibre roof and fully milled wheels
  • RS sport exhaust system and sport differential also available
  • State-of-the-art driver assistance, safety and connectivity systems
  • Ordering anticipated to open in May with first deliveries due in summer

Ingolstadt/Geneva, March 7, 2017 – Reaffirming its status as the indisputable head of the A5 pack and a cornerstone of the Audi Sport stable, the all-new RS 5 Coupé makes its world debut at the 87th annual Geneva Motor Show this week, delivering phenomenal pace from its brand new V6 biturbo TFSI, a lighter overall weight and a healthy hike in torque. The very latest in Vorsprung durch Technik is also comes to the fore, from the cutting-edge driver assistance and connectivity systems to the even more comprehensive specification as standard. Ordering for the 450PS, sub-four second gran turismo is expected to open from May this year, ahead of first examples reaching UK roads this summer.

“The new Audi RS 5 Coupé is the gran turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport. The high-performance Coupé combines elegant aesthetics with high everyday usability. The car’s V6 biturbo has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH, in describing the new model. The RS 5 Coupé is also the first car to bear the new Audi  RS design idiom that will be introduced to the Audi Sport range. The designers drew inspiration for the RS 5 Coupé from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models characterise the front end of the new Audi RS 5 Coupé. The Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than in the base model. Next to the headlights are additional lateral air intakes and outlets; tinted bezels differentiate the optional Matrix LED headlights. quattro blisters on the flanks emphasise the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 millimetres.

Appropriately purposeful accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and surface-mounted spoiler lip. The RS 5 Coupé rolls as standard on 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option. Gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium packages provide even more customisation options. With a length of 4,723 millimetres, the new Audi RS 5 Coupé is 74 millimetres longer than the previous model.

Packing a mighty punch, the car’s all-new 2.9 TFSI biturbo engine produces 450PS and delivers 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque, with a charismatic soundtrack that is reminiscent of the V6 TFSI housed in the original B5 RS 4. Developed from the ground up, it offers sharp increases in power and efficiency as well as an incomparably full-bodied RS sound. It produces 450PS and peak torque of 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) – up 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) from the previous model – is available across a wide band from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The top model in the A5 family sprints from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and with the optional dynamic package reaches a top speed of 174mph.

Two turbochargers are positioned centrally between the cylinder banks of the 2.9 TFSI unit. The ingested air flows to the respective turbocharger and into the combustion chambers through a dual-branch system for spontaneous response. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection represents a new level of efficiency among the RS models. The shortened compression stroke used here enables an engine process with a significantly higher geometric compression ratio. Combined with a power stroke that, while normal, is longer relative to the compression stroke, this allows for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency.

According to the NEDC, the V6 biturbo is capable of up to 32.5mpg combined, corresponding to 197 grams CO2 per km – an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model. Another factor in the greater efficiency of the new RS 5 Coupé is its significantly lower weight. It tips the scales at 1,655 kilograms, 60 kilograms less than before. A carbon roof with a visible fibre structure is available as an option. The biturbo’s power flows through a dynamically-tuned, eight-speed tiptronic with optimised shift times to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The drive forces are distributed asymmetrically to the axles (40:60) to guarantee dynamic handling with optimal traction and the greatest possible safety. Audi Sport also offers a rear sport differential.

An updated five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model, benefiting the deft driving characteristics and agility. It also improves comfort significantly. With the standard RS sport suspension, the new Audi RS 5 Coupé sits much lower than the production model. Audi Sport also offers the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning. Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard Audi drive select system.

Bathed in black, the interior of the new Audi RS 5 Coupé is extremely upscale and lavishly appointed. Details such as RS sport seats with optional diamond stitching in Fine Nappa leather and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport steering wheel underscore the character of the high-performance coupe in the interior as well. RS logos adorn the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims and the selector lever. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces. A shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit. The RS design package uses red as a vibrant contrasting colour. Package highlights are the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads in Alcantara plus seat belts contoured in red and floor mats with the RS emblem. Audi Sport offers Sonoma green metallic as an exclusive paint finish for the RS 5 Coupé.

A comprehensive range of infotainment choices is sure to keep everyone on board entertained. The optional MMI navigation plus with MMI touch includes the hardware module Audi connect, which connects the new RS 5 Coupé to the internet via LTE. Thanks to the Audi connect SIM, which is permanently installed in the car, the flat rate data package for the connect services including Europe-wide roaming is free of charge for three years. Passengers can go online with their mobile devices via the Wi-Fi hotspot option. The Audi smartphone interface uses Apple Car Play and Android Auto to make selected apps available in a separate MMI menu. Control is easy and intuitive, thanks to natural language voice control, free text search and the multifunction steering wheel. The touchpad in the centre console is used to zoom, scroll and enter characters. Further high-end technologies, such as the head-up display and as many as 30 driver assistance systems enhance safety, comfort and efficiency. The intelligent interplay between these systems represents another step on the road to piloted driving. Over 13,000 units of the first-generation Audi RS 5 Coupé have been delivered to customers since 2010.

2017 Audi RS3

Even more powerful and well connected five-door RS regains its place in the range alongside the recently launched RS 3 Saloon

· 400 PS five-cylinder engine delivers a concentrated dose of driving pleasure

· Wider track and pronounced sills are hallmarks of the RS design

· World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show

· UK ordering possible from the summer, first deliveries later in 2017

The RS 3 Sportback – the original entry point to Audi RS ownership – has taken a back seat recently to allow the new RS 3 Saloon its share of the limelight, but at next month’s Geneva Motor Show the muscle-bound five-door will make its comeback emboldened by the latest 400PS five-cylinder TFSI engine and a raft of design and connectivity upgrades. Following its world public debut in Switzerland on Tuesday March 7 the Audi compact segment spearhead will become available to order in the UK in the summer and will touch down here towards the end of the year.
“The Audi RS 3 Sportback offers our customers an attractive introduction to the RS world,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. “Since 2011 the sporty compact model has proved itself extremely successful on the market. And with the new five-cylinder engine, the Audi RS 3 Sportback is at the head of its class and continuing that strong track record.”
From 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds
Behind the impressive performance of the Audi RS 3 Sportback is the world’s most powerful production five-cylinder engine – the 2.5 TFSI. It delivers 400PS – 33PS more than its predecessor – and is 26 kilograms (57.3 lb) lighter thanks to its aluminium crankcase, among other features. Its maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) is available from just 1,700 rpm and remains at the driver’s disposal right through to 5,850 rpm.
This wide tract of torque facilitates an exhilarating 4.1-second 0-62mph sprint time, the effect of which is heightened by the five-cylinder unit’s unmistakably full-bodied and characterful sound. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but if the optional dynamic package plus is specified a de-restriction to 174mph is among the extra features it brings.
For better mixture preparation, the new 2.5 TFSI engine employs dual injection into the intake manifold and into the combustion chambers. On the exhaust side, the Audi valvelift system controls the duration of valve opening depending on the throttle and engine speed – for moderate fuel consumption at low and partial load as well as optimal throttle response and a high level of tractive power at full load. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test the RS 3 Sportback returns 34.0mpg – a creditable figure considering its performance capabilities which equates to 189 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
quattro drive with variable distribution of power
The proven channels for the mighty engine’s output are the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive based on an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch which distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. The share it allocates to the rear axle automatically varies depending on speed and cornering forces, but its bias can also be influenced by the driver using the standard Audi drive select system, which can also influence the response of the steering, transmission, engine management, adjustable exhaust flaps and optional RS sport suspension with adaptive damper control. It offers three modes – comfort, auto and dynamic. Cornering attitude is also further enhanced by the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with wheel-selective torque control and the sport mode specially tuned for the RS.

Wider track and sporty suspension setup
With its standard progressive steering and sophisticated multi-link suspension with wider front track positioning the stocky body 25mm lower than the A3, the RS 3 Sportback is set up to deliver compelling grip and adjustability with extraordinary poise. 19-inch alloy wheels framing 310-millimetre brake discs front and rear are factory fitted, and as an alternative customers will be able to choose carbon-fibre ceramic front discs.
Distinctive RS design
Externally, the flared front arches that evocatively link the RS 3 Sportback with its Eighties quattro coupé forebears continue to lend just the right air of power and purpose to the latest car, while subtle styling revisions based on the recent updates made across the A3 range also lift its look. The Singleframe grille with its gloss black honeycomb mesh and the large air inlets and angular sill trims which flank it are now also complemented by a redesigned blade in the bumper which serves to make the car appear even more broad-shouldered. At its ends it forms narrow, upright funnels. LED headlights with their distinctive lighting signature are standard, and matrix LED headlights are available from the options list. At the rear an elongated RS roof edge spoiler, a diffuser insert and the RS exhaust system’s large oval tailpipes add further emphasis to the high performance hatchback’s foursquare stance.
Lap timer, boost pressure indicator and special RS screen
In the equally focused cabin the two circular instrument dials with their black faces, white scales and red needles sit either side of a driver information system that includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. In the latest car this configuration can now be replaced by the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit which is newly available. A special RS screen shifts the tachometer to the centre, displaying on either side the readings for torque, g‑forces and tyre pressure. When the S tronic transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum rpm.
Sport seats with RS seatback emblems in black fine Nappa leather are standard, and for even greater support RS sport seats with more contoured profiles and integrated head restraints for the driver and front passenger are available as options. The RS sport leather steering wheel is flat-bottomed and features buttons for operating the infotainment system. The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the centre tunnel. A touchpad can be integrated in its surface, enabling the driver to scroll, zoom and enter text. Also included is a free text search feature that automatically completes the user’s input after just a few letters have been entered. The voice control can process user questions and commands formulated in everyday language.

Online with Audi connect
When it comes to infotainment, the RS 3 Sportback is even more versatile than before. The Audi Smartphone Interface is now standard, enabling users to access selected apps on their handsets from the car’s onboard monitor via Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and an LTE module brings the Audi connect services on board, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as information on fuel prices, weather, travel and traffic. The Audi MMI connect app lets users transfer their smartphone calendars into the MMI system. Drivers can also send destinations from Google Maps and special destinations to the navigation system, and also stream music from the internet. In addition, the navigation system includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that enables passengers to connect their mobile devices to the internet.
Other highlights include the Audi phone box for wireless connection to the car’s onboard antenna and inductive charging of handsets equipped to the QI standard, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 705 watts of power, and many driver assistance systems. In slow-moving traffic up to 40mph, for example, the traffic jam assist keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can briefly take over the steering. Also new in the Audi RS 3 Sportback are the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when the driver is pulling out of a parking space.
Market launch and prices
Orders for the RS 3 Sportback and the RS 3 Saloon will be accepted in the UK from the summer, and UK pricing for both variants will be confirmed closer to that point.